Learn More About Criminal Record Pardons
A pardon allows Canadians who were convicted of a criminal offence to have their criminal record sealed, that is, non-accessible and kept separate and apart from all other criminal records. This would apply particularly to those who have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are now law-abiding citizens. Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), the National Parole Board (NPB) can issue a pardon for an individual, provided that their application satisfies NPB requirements.
In Canada, under federal and most provincial jurisdictions, citizens are afforded protection against discrimination based on past criminal convictions. However, having a criminal record increasingly has serious consequences on people’s lives. A pardon is intended to provide relief to persons who have been convicted of offences and have later rehabilitated themselves. A pardon is the formal process to seal a criminal record and remove any biases that become associated with it.
Pardon Services Canada gathers all the necessary documentation and information to successfully petition the National Parole Board for your Pardon. We offer a guarantee to obtain your pardon, or you will receive a complete refund of all fees, or make a second application, free of charge. (see Guarantee and Terms & Conditions )
When your pardon is granted, you receive an official confirmation from the Clemency and Pardons division of the National Parole Board. From that point on, you are free to pursue your freedoms and objectives without the taint of a criminal record. Some pardons do have limitations, so you may wish to consult our Pardon FAQ for more details.
The Pardon Process
Once you have chosen the appropriate service package, the process begins immediately. The processing time for each pardon case may vary considerably. The pardon process operates according to the package you have selected from Pardon Services Canada. Standard and Premium service packages consist of three major stages:
(1) We obtain certified copies of your criminal record(s) from RCMP Identification Services;
(2) We request, track and compile, all of the documentation required to:
- Establish your legal eligibility
- Establish that your citizenship is in good standing
- Establish your potential for special status*
*Our Premium Service Package includes additional services in establishing special status for your application.
(3) We petition the National Parole Board for your pardon on your behalf. This third stage is the longest. The NPB screens, assigns and evaluates our petition over a 12+ month period. We communicate with the NPB throughout the process, as required, to ensure the success of your application.
Pardon Documentation (This list is not exhaustive)
- Pardon Application
- Authorization Waiver(s)
- Fingerprints
- Copies of Identification
- Criminal Record(s)
- Proof of Conviction(s)
- Court Document(s)
- Police Records(s)
- Military Conduct Report(s)
- Proof of Canadian Status
- Employment Documentation
As some documentation requires payments to outside agencies (Fingerprints and Court Records, etc.), Standard & Premium service package applicants will be billed for disbursements separately (typically $50 - $150) approximately 4 – 5 months into their application process. We provide a statement of account, itemizing any disbursements incurred throughout the process, before payment is required. For clients who purchase the Basic Service Packages, all disbursements are the sole responsibility of the applicant, and paid directly by the applicant to the appropriate government agencies. (See Pardon Service Packages )
Eligibility for a Pardon
Any person with a criminal record in Canada has the right to apply for a Pardon, under the Criminal Records Act (CRA). The National Parole Board has established the conditions for eligibility for such a pardon. The key milestones that stipulate when one can begin their Pardon process, are as follows: 3 years from the date of completion of sentencing (including payment of fines) for “Summary Offences”; 5 years from the date of completion of sentencing (including payment of fines) for “Indictable Offences”.
What is the difference between a “summary offence” and an “indictable offence”? The complete list of all charges and their class is too long to list here. Some examples are:
- Summary Offences: Most driving under the influence charges, mischief charges, shoplifting, basic assault, or in general, any offence or conviction carrying a fine of less than $2,000, and/or less than 6 months incarceration.
- Indictable Offences: Theft over $2,000 charges, trafficking and serious weapon charges, most sexual offences, assault – causing bodily harm, all breaking and enter charges, and nearly all charges in which the corresponding sentence includes incarceration of 6 months or greater.
It’s important to realize that one can begin their Pardon Application Process up to 1 year prior to the completion of the 3- or 5- year eligibility period. Pardon Services Canada can complete significant preliminary work before the eligibility requirement period is completed. The application could be substantially underway once the waiting period completes.
Note: the application with the National Parole Board cannot be filed until the 3- or 5- year eligibility period has been completed. If we have compiled all the necessary documentation prior to the completion of the eligibility period, the documentation will be retained in good order by Pardon Services Canada until the eligibility period has been completed. Once complete, we will immediately file on your behalf. This allows for pardons to be obtained as quickly as possible.
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